Politics to Pre-

Spanish to
Spanish
Two misconceptions about
Philippine Politics:
1. There was no politics in
the Philippines prior to
colonization period.

2. Every issue or problem we

have in politics and
governance was caused by
Four Types of Filipino
unhispanized societies
1. Classless societies – do not
have to elect leader
2. Warrior societies – appointed by
legislation, inter- ethnic
relations and judicial matters.
3. Petty plutocracies – the ruler
comes from the privileged class
4. Principalities – clear class of
During the Colonial
Period:
Governor
general
Alcaldes and
Corregimientos
Gobernadorc
illos
Cabeza de
Barangay
 Two concepts in conquering
the Archipelago:
1. Divide et impera
>> Divide and rule (or divide and
conquer)
>> in politics and sociology is gaining and
maintaining power by breaking up larger
concentrations of power into pieces
>> refers to a strategy that breaks up
existing power structures
2. Reduccion
>> the primary method used by the
Spaniards to convert the Filipinos to
Christianity, an essential part of their
conquest.
>> The Spanish relocated native
inhabitants, forcibly if necessary, into
settlements which were modeled on towns
and villages.
The Pre- Spanish Period
Social Class
Datu
Timawa
Alipin
Aliping Aliping
namamahay saguiguilid
3 G’s

God
Gold
Glory
Ferdinand
Magellan
the earliest
>>

documented European
expedition to the
Philippines
>> Magellan conquered
and sought alliances
among the natives
Spanish Period
Las Islas
>>

Filipinas was
name after Philip
II of Spain by
Ruy López de
 Political System
>> relocation of native
inhabitants into settlements
>> Encomienda system
- the person granted the
encomienda, known as an
encomendero, was tasked
to provide military
protection to the
The Government
1. Central Government -
the King entrusted the
colony to the governor-
general, who had the highest
position in the government.

· The Royal Audiencia was

 The Government
2. Local Government-
(provinces, cities, towns and
barrios.
The provinces were divided
into two:

1. Alcaldia which
recognized Spain's
possession over the land
The Government
The pueblo was
governed by the
Gobernadorcillo,
the highest
position for
Filipino
politicians.
Taxation
>> Bandalâ - an annual
forced sale and
requisitioning of goods
such as rice.
>> Cedula personal-
everyone over 18 were
required to pay for
Polo y Servicio
>>all male Filipinos
from 16 to 60 years old
were obliged to render
forced labor.
>> lasted for 40 days a
year